As we travel about the countryside, old abandoned houses like this are a sight we often see. And they never fail to fill my heart with sadness. A sort of longing for what must have been. I picture cozy families gathered around the hearth, children playing in the garden. And entire families gathering produce from once-flourishing fields and vineyards.
Some time ago, I came across a post which intrigued me: Which Lord of the Rings Personality Are You? I’d heard of personality types and tests, but dismissed them as a lot of nonsense. But The Lord of the Rings? They had me hooked there!
You are reading Part Three of the mini-series subtitled “The Virtuous Woman.”
In part two of this series, The Trustworthy Wife, we learned that a major way a wife can harm her spouse is by fighting against him, rather than for him and with him. Bringing defeat not only to her husband, but also to the marriage and herself. In effect, she tears down her own home.
You are reading Part Two of the mini-series subtitled “The Virtuous Woman.”
Our early years here in Italy were tough. In addition to culture shock and language barriers, we barely had money for necessities! We worried over nutrition and properly-fitting clothing for our kids. The paesani in our village avoided us, except for those on the fringes of society. Perhaps we seemed like one of them. They often accepted our invitation to visit, usually showing up at lunchtime! Many a day the soup was even more watery than usual.
Our favorite pizzeria/restaurant of choice is The Red Wolf or Lupo Rosso. And some of our friends here wonder why as it’s small and unpretentious. Nothing fancy or elegant, but the food is excellent. And we tell them, “It’s all about community.” And to us that’s a lot more important than elegance!
That palace, it struck both fear and awe into the heart of the young woman passing near its gates. The opulence and magnificence of its halls well-known throughout the land. Not that she, of course, would ever see inside.
I know we’re only into the 2nd month of 2020, but already God has been telling me to “Be strong and courageous.” FEAR NOT has come through loud and clear in multiple ways. 2019 was an extremely difficult year for me and Hubby, as perhaps it was for you. But God wants us to go through 2020 fearlessly and boldly with him!
As parents, it hurts to see our kids, grandkids, or spiritual children go through difficulties, doesn’t it? And if you’re like me, you’d like to fix all their problems. Kiss it and make it better like we did when they were small.
The topic of marriage cropped up at a recent neighborhood Christmas dinner, after they learned that Hubby and I have been happily married 43 years. “What’s your secret?” they asked with both incredulity and admiration.
